Infrastructure plays a crucial role in shaping societies and economies, yet the politics behind it are often overlooked. Understanding the political dynamics surrounding infrastructure development is essential for grasping the complexities of governance, public policy, and urban planning. In this blog post, we highlight five insightful books that delve into the politics of infrastructure, shedding light on the power struggles, interests, and decision-making processes that influence the built environment.
1. “The Power Broker” by Robert A. Caro
Robert A. Caro’s monumental biography of Robert Moses, “The Power Broker,” offers a detailed and gripping account of the politics of infrastructure in New York City. Moses, a master builder and one of the most influential figures in urban planning, wielded immense power in shaping the city’s infrastructure landscape. Caro’s book explores the intricate relationships between politics, power, and public works, revealing how infrastructure decisions can have far-reaching social and economic consequences.
2. “Concrete Revolution” by Christopher Sneddon
In “Concrete Revolution,” Christopher Sneddon examines the politics of large-scale infrastructure development projects, focusing on the case of dam-building in Southeast Asia. Sneddon argues that such projects are not merely technical endeavors but are deeply embedded in political, social, and environmental contexts. By analyzing the power dynamics involved in infrastructure planning and implementation, Sneddon sheds light on the complexities of resource management and the contestations over water, energy, and development.
3. “Subterranean Estates” edited by Hannah Appel, Akhil Gupta, and James Ferguson
“Subterranean Estates” is a thought-provoking collection of essays that explores the politics of extractive industries and the infrastructures that support them. The book examines how oil, gas, and mineral resources shape landscapes, economies, and political systems around the world. Through a critical lens, the contributors analyze the social and environmental impacts of extractive infrastructure, highlighting the uneven distribution of costs and benefits among different stakeholders.
4. “The Bridge at the Edge of the World” by James Gustave Speth
James Gustave Speth’s “The Bridge at the Edge of the World” offers a comprehensive critique of the current global infrastructure paradigm and calls for a more sustainable and equitable approach to development. Speth argues that conventional infrastructure projects often prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term social and environmental sustainability. By advocating for transformative change in infrastructure planning and governance, Speth challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about growth, progress, and the common good.
5. “Pipelines, Platforms, and the New Rules of Strategy” by Marshall W. Van Alstyne, Geoffrey G. Parker, and Sangeet Paul Choudary
“Pipelines, Platforms, and the New Rules of Strategy” explores the transformative impact of digital infrastructure on business models, markets, and competition. The authors argue that traditional linear pipelines are being disrupted by multi-sided platforms that connect producers and consumers in new ways. By analyzing the economics and governance of platform-based infrastructure, the book offers insights into how organizations can adapt to the changing landscape of the digital economy.
These five books provide valuable perspectives on the intricate relationship between politics and infrastructure. By examining the power dynamics, interests, and ideologies that shape infrastructure decisions, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in planning, building, and managing the built environment. Whether you are interested in urban development, environmental governance, or economic policy, these books offer illuminating insights that challenge conventional wisdom and provoke critical reflection on the politics of infrastructure. Happy reading!